July 16, 2025

A Summer Recipe You’ll Make On Repeat

Summer in Minnesota is all about savoring the simple pleasures: warm breezes, good company, and, of course, delicious food paired with our exceptional wines. As the days lengthen and the strawberries ripen, we've found ourselves making one dish over and over again, and we simply had to share it with you.

Grilled chicken with salad of fresh berries, lettuce and rukola closeup on a plate. horizontal

Friends grilling meat and cheering and cooking at bbq meal outdoor - Different age of people having fun at barbecue dinner - Summer lifestyle, friendship and fun concept - Focus on close-up chef hand

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This isn't just any grilled chicken; it's a sweet and savory sensation that's gaining traction for its incredibly flavorful yet delightfully simple approach. The star ingredients? Fresh, juicy strawberries and a hint of rich balsamic vinegar, which elevate humble grilled chicken into a gourmet experience perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining. Get ready to add this to your summer rotation!

Grilled Chicken with Strawberry and Balsamic

This recipe balances the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the tangy depth of balsamic, creating a vibrant glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.

Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh basil or mint for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Marinade/Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the quartered strawberries, balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, honey, minced garlic, and thyme. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Gently toss to combine. Set aside about half a cup of this mixture to use as a finishing sauce later.
Marinate the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place them in a shallow dish or a resealable bag. Pour the remaining strawberry-balsamic mixture over the chicken, ensuring it's well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F / 200-230°C). Lightly oil the grill grates.
Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off (discard the used marinade). Place chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through with nice grill marks. During the last few minutes of cooking, you can brush the chicken with a little of the reserved strawberry-balsamic sauce for extra glaze, if desired.
Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with the reserved strawberry-balsamic sauce. Garnish with fresh basil or mint, if using.

Hot roasted chicken leg on grill grate with fire. Grilled chicken leg on grate with fire.

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Wine Pairings from Rolling Forks Vineyards

This delightful dish, with its balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, calls for wines that can complement its complexity without overpowering it. While I couldn't access our current wine list directly, here are some general recommendations that would typically shine with this Grilled Chicken with Strawberry and Balsamic:

For a Crisp & Fruity Match: Wooden Link - A Rosé - is an excellent choice. Its berry-forward flavor with hints of pomegranate will beautifully echo the strawberries in the dish, while providing a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the chicken and balsamic.
For a Light Red Option: Waska Red - A lighter-bodied semi-sweet Red Wine with soft tannins and red fruit characteristics would also pair wonderfully. Its fruit-forward profile would harmonize with the strawberries, and its structure would stand up to the grilled chicken.
For a Unique White Pairing: Lady Slipper - A La Crescent that could offer an intriguing contrast. It's aromatic profiles, with notes of stone fruit and floral hints, along with a touch of sweetness, creates a fascinating interplay with the balsamic and chicken.

We encourage you to visit our tasting room or browse our current online selection to find the perfect Rolling Forks Vineyards wine to elevate this summer favorite!

We hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your summer culinary adventures. Share your creations with us on social media using #RollingForksRecipes! Cheers to delicious food, great wine, and unforgettable summer moments.

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